Ink Out Loud: Better late than never

Too many times people of integrity who do the right thing, not only fail to get due credit, but lose out.

Letting people know when a war has ended typically brings relief for families, gratefulness for peace and a feeling of hope for the future.

Journalist Edward Kennedy did the right thing. He broke the story that marked the end of World War II, a day before any other news source.

In the world of news, this may be the biggest scoop in the history of the profession. Though there were no military secrets at stake, he was condemned for breaking a pledge to suppress the information.

Kennedy broke the pledge and the story as soon as he became aware that the embargo was in place for political reasons and not to protect the soldiers.

He was publicly rebuked and silently fired from his reporting position with the Associated Press (AP). The experience all but ended his career as a correspondent.

Kennedy moved out West and remained in the field of journalism. He was the managing editor at a Santa Barbara newspaper. He then went on to become publisher in Monterey, a newspaper that is in my news group.

He died in a car crash in the '60s.

Now, nearly 70 years later, the top executive of the AP apologized for the way the news company treated Kennedy.

"It was a terrible day for the AP. It was handled in the worst possible way. Kennedy did everything just right," current AP President and CEO Tom Curley, said.

If life was fair, and it isn't, Kennedy probably would have received a Pulitzer.

I think he should receive one posthumously.

Kennedy respected his education and adhered to the moral and ethical teachings in the field of journalism.

He examined the situation without fear. He snubbed conformity in the name of professionalism.

I honor Kennedy's integrity and commitment.

The mission in the field of journalism is to inform the public, not to appease politicians or people with wealth and notoriety.

Kennedy reported with accuracy, the end of World War II, when the others were a day late reporting the historical event.

The man deserves his name among the ranks of those who take this field seriously and report about all people and events for the sake of historical accuracy and in the name of fairness.

In order to do the right thing, simply read the words of Mother Teresa:

"If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

"If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

"If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.